The Crucible Essay Assignment - MS. L. TURNER-DIXON



The Crucible Essay Assignment AP English Language and Composition

You will prepare an outline and then write a five-paragraph essay that argues a thesis about Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible. Choose from one of the following topics. You will write your own thesis statement and prove your thesis. Your essay should include an introduction with a lead, link, thesis, and provable parts, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

1. Aristotle argued that a tragic hero must be “better than we are,” a person who is superior to the average person in some way. At the same time, a tragic hero must evoke pity, and Aristotle claimed that the best way to do this is if the hero is imperfect. Aristotle believed that people are more likely to find a character appealing if he/she has flaws. In order to be a tragic hero, a character must have a tragic flaw (physical or moral weakness). Using Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero and evidence from the text, argue that one of the following characters is or is not a tragic hero:

a. John Proctor

b. Elizabeth Proctor

2. Many contrasting ideas can be found in The Crucible, and these ideas lead the reader to some of the themes of the play. Using the ideas below as a basis, generate a theme and discuss it, using evidence from the text to show how the theme is developed throughout the play.

a. Ignorance vs. Wisdom

b. Individual Freedom vs. Social Order

c. Justice vs. Vengeance

d. Human Cruelty in the name of righteousness / religion

3. Throughout the play, Arthur Miller creates characters whose use of logical fallacies moves the plot forward and highlights the important themes in the play. Using the ideas in topic three (above), generate a theme and discuss how logical fallacies are used to develop and illustrate the theme.

IMPORTANT: You must include a minimum of six quotations from the play (at least two per body paragraph). Quotations must be properly integrated into the essay. Improper integration of quotations WILL result in a grade reduction. The essay must be typed and double spaced.

Possible Thesis Statement for Topic 1: (Character Analysis)

In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, John Proctor fits the definition of a tragic hero. Although he has human weaknesses, Proctor’s strong conviction, quest for truth, and insightfulness make him a tragic hero.

In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, John Proctor does not fit the definition of a tragic hero. Although he has admirable character traits, Proctor’s infidelity, temper, and selfishness prevent him from becoming a tragic hero.

Possible Thesis Statements for Topic 2: (Theme)

In The Crucible, Arthur Miller argues that when ignorance and fear are allowed to overcome reason, wisdom and common sense cannot prevail. In the play, the wisdom and reason of Rebecca Nurse, John Proctor, and Reverend Hale cannot overcome the mob mentality that overtakes Salem.

In The Crucible, Arthur Miller argues that the social order cannot be maintained without individual accountability and integrity. In the play, Abigail Williams, Mary Warren, and Judge Danforth lack integrity and destroy Salem.

In The Crucible, Arthur Miller argues that an individual or society’s need for vengeance makes justice impossible. In the play, Reverend Parris, the Putnams, and Abigail Williams’ need for vengeance prevents justice from being served.

In The Crucible, Arthur Miller argues that human cruelty is never acceptable, even under the pretext of righteousness or religion. In the play, Putnam’s false accusations, Abigail’s desire for vengeance, and the court’s refusal to listen to reason support Miller’s argument that human cruelty in the name of righteousness is never justified.

Possible Thesis Statement for Topic 3: (Logical Fallacies)

In The Crucible, Arthur Miller creates characters whose speech and behavior illustrate Miller’s belief that wisdom and common sense cannot prevail over ignorance and fear. In particular, Miller uses coincidental correlations to ‘prove’ witchcraft exists, emotional appeals to uphold decisions made by the court, and red herrings to draw attention away from the real issues.

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